Coffee Cake: Warm, Sweet, and Perfectly Spiced

Introduction

The first time I baked a coffee cake, it was for a Sunday morning brunch. I had a craving for something comforting—something that paired perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee. I decided to try my hand at this classic cake, filled with cinnamon, butter, and a crumbly topping. The result was a rich, moist cake that was sweet but not too overwhelming, with just the right amount of spice. Since then, coffee cake has become my go-to recipe for mornings with friends or quiet afternoons at home. I’m Ella chef, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you.

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Coffee Cake

A moist, cinnamon-spiced coffee cake with a buttery crumb topping—perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon treat.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until fully combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
6. For the crumb topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cake batter.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 300IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

For extra decadence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Make the Recipe

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. These ingredients will form the base of your coffee cake, infusing it with the signature spice.

In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until fully incorporated. The batter should be thick and smooth.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.

Now, for the crumb topping: in a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture forms crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the cake batter.

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp from the crumb topping. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Conclusion

Coffee cake is the perfect dessert for casual gatherings, brunches, or cozy mornings. Its warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar, combined with the buttery, crumbly topping, make it irresistible. The simple yet delicious recipe makes it easy to prepare and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging on your own, this classic coffee cake will never disappoint.